Oct 21, 2003 - Scottish brewer Belhaven has capped its beer price increases for the next three years. The brewery will hold increases to 2.5% (3 p per pint), roughly in line with inflation.

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Chief executive Stuart Ross announced the plan after news that take home sales increased 4.8% while on premise volume fell 3.5%.

"The gap between on trade prices and take home prices for many leading beer brands has widened significantly," Ross said, "encouraging the couch potato culture in the UK which is such a threat to all of us who depend on the success of the pub and club trade for our livelihood."

Ross said that while the national pub chains are in a better position to negotiate with brewers, small operators may suffer from hefty price rises.